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BREEDER LAYER EGGS

Version 5.1 (modified)

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

Controls in place to prevent contamination

TL.BE.1

Standards

It is recommended that, where manual nest boxes are used, single tiers are used for all heavy and medium strain of turkey

How you will be measured

TL.BE.1.a

Where double tier boxes are used the design facilitates easy and safe entry and exit

TL.BE.1.1

Standards

A maximum ratio of five hens to one nest box must be provided

TL.BE.1.2

Standards

Hens must be able to turn around in nest boxes

TL.BE.1.3

Standards

It is recommended that nest boxes are fitted with semi-traps to prevent multiple occupancy. On double tier boxes this is only necessary on the bottom boxes

TL.BE.1.4

Standards

Nest boxes must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe environment for hens

TL.BE.1.5

Standards

Nest box bedding must be maintained in a dry, friable condition

TL.BE.1.6

Standards

Conditions within the nest boxes must be maintained in a manner that ensures hens are able to keep clean

How you will be measured

TL.BE.1.6.a

A written schedule is in place which details the methods and frequency of cleaning

Cleaning schedule

TL.BE.1.7

Standards

Where two tier nest boxes are used the nest box ramp must be a gradual slope without a drop to the floor below

TL.BE.1.8

Standards

Automatic nest boxes must provide broody control by pushing hens off the nest with minimum stress and without causing injury

TL.BE.1.9

Standards

Automatic nest boxes must be checked and tested once daily

TL.BE.2

Standards

Egg collecting staff must sanitise their hands prior to handling eggs and between handling floor eggs and nest eggs

TL.BE.3

Standards

All eggs found to be cracked, defective or dirty must be identified and rejected

How you will be measured

TL.BE.3.a

Clean floor eggs can be set but are identifiable

TL.BE.3.b

Dirty floor eggs are not washed. These eggs are to be kept separate from clean eggs

Records of rejected eggs

TL.BE.3.1

Standards

If egg sanitation is carried out it must be done according to a written procedure using Defra approved sanitisers

Egg sanitation procedure

TL.BE.4

Standards

Eggs must be collected at minimum frequencies

How you will be measured

TL.BE.4.a

Eggs are collected at least six times a day

TL.BE.4.b

Floor eggs are collected at least two times a day

TL.BE.5

Standards

All eggs selected for hatching must be placed in clean, dry trays and placed into suitable storage rooms as soon as possible

Written procedure for plastic egg tray disinfection

TL.BE.6

Standards

Hatching eggs must be marked with a black mark using an indelible pen

How you will be measured

TL.BE.6.a

One egg in each tray is marked with the flock code, house number and date

TL.BE.7

Standards

Each trolley must be marked with the breeder farm and date laid

TL.BE.8

Standards

Egg collection records must be kept

How you will be measured

TL.BE.8.a

Egg collection records are kept for 3 years and include the following details: - quantities collected - quantity of floor eggs - number of reject eggs

Egg collection records

TL.BE.9

Standards

There must be facilities for grading, selection and storage of hatching eggs

TL.BE.10

Standards

Egg storage facilities must be capable of maintaining a temperature between 13°C and 18°C

Records of daily minimum and maximum temperatures

TL.BE.11

Standards

The use of broody pens to break the broody cycle is acceptable

How you will be measured

TL.BE.11.a

Broody pens are not used for sick or injured hens

TL.BE.12

Standards

Stags must be pre-milked twice to check semen quality before initial insemination of hens